Multiple game block assembly

ABSTRACT

A multiple game block puzzle comprises a plurality of interlocked block members. Each block member has first, second, third and fourth block member edges, which define a first surface and a first pictorial image, which includes a first plurality of partial pictorial images. Each partial pictorial image corresponds to a portion of the first pictorial image. The first partial pictorial images are attached to the first surface of each one of the block members and are aligned along at least two block member edges to match the first pictorial image to a first reference copy thereof. A kit including the puzzle is also provided.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

[0001] The applicant hereby claims benefit from U.S. provisional application for patent No. 60/389,953, filed Jun. 20, 2002.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0002] The present invention concerns game blocks for children, more particularly to multiple game block assemblies with pictorial representations thereon.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0003] Game blocks are well known and widely used as entertainment and/or educational tools for children. The blocks often include pictorial representations attached thereto that are easily recognizable by children, such as cartoons and the like. The skills required assembling the blocks aids in developing pattern recognition skills, hand/eye coordination and depth perception. The object of many of the presently available game blocks is to assemble the blocks in a predetermined arrangement to produce a finished pictorial image.

[0004] Several designs of game blocks exist, although they suffer from a number of problems. Disadvantageously, the block puzzles require that the blocks be assembled on a horizontal plane and within the confines of a container to reduce displacement during assembly. This appears to greatly limit the opportunity to the user to develop fine motor skills. In addition, many of the games appear to be limited to single use and/or single themes and thus the level of the user's interest may be limited. Moreover, the single theme aspect of the available designs may limit the skill development once an initial level of skill is exceeded.

[0005] Thus there is a need for an improved block puzzle assembly.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0006] The present invention reduces the difficulties and disadvantages of the prior art by providing a multiple game block assembly that is inexpensive to manufacture using inject die technology using readily available materials. Advantageously, the puzzle is pictorial in nature, and also may be made language specific and therefore is accessible to many users worldwide. In addition, the puzzle does not rely on a container to prevent the individual blocks from straying; instead the puzzle uses a system of interlocks to maintain integrity of the puzzle. Furthermore, the interlocking nature of the blocks develops basic fine motor skills and allows the user to complete the puzzle in the vertical and horizontal planes. Advantageously, this may be used as part of a rehabilitation program for users who have lost coordinational dexterity. To achieve the aforesaid advantages, there is provided a novel template recognition card that may include several images, which match the completed puzzle. The blocks can be easily adapted to a three-dimensional puzzle for more advanced users. Using the multiple images, the user has access to a variety of different education and play themes to escalate and challenge the skills of the user.

[0007] Accordingly, in a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a multiple game block puzzle comprising: a plurality of interlocked block members, each block member having first, second, third and fourth block member edges defining a first surface; and a first pictorial image including a first plurality of partial pictorial images, each partial pictorial image corresponding to a portion of the first pictorial image, the first partial pictorial images being attached to the first surface of each one of the block members, the first partial pictorial images being aligned along at least two block member edges to match the first pictorial image to a first reference copy thereof.

[0008] Preferably, the puzzle includes a second pictorial image including a second plurality of partial pictorial images, each partial pictorial image corresponding to a portion of the second pictorial image, the second partial pictorial images being attached to a second surface of each one of the block members. The second pictorial image matches a second reference copy thereof.

[0009] Preferably, the first pictorial image is different than the second pictorial image.

[0010] Preferably, the first and second reference copies are each separate reference cards. The first and second reference copies are attached to first and second sides of a single reference card.

[0011] Preferably, the reference cards include a grid of intersecting guide lines corresponding to the respective first, second, third and fourth edges of the block members of the first and second pictorial images. The intersecting lines define copies of each of the first and second partial pictorial images.

[0012] Preferably, the block members further include third and fourth surfaces, each third and fourth surface being blank and disposed orthogonal to the first and second surfaces. Each of the block members includes first and second interlocking surfaces. The first interlocking surface includes four male projections and the second interlocking surface includes four female receivers sized and shape to engage the male projections.

[0013] Preferably, a pair of capping strips are interlocked with a first final row and a second final row of interlocked block members. Each of the first and the second final rows includes three block members, each of the three block members being double the length of each block member in a penultimate row adjacent the first and second final row. One of the capping strips includes a female receiver portion extending along the entire length of the capping strip to receive the combined male projections on the first final row of three block members. The other capping strip includes a plurality of male projections disposed in a parallel arrangement along the entire length of the capping strip to engage the combined female receivers on the second final row of three block members. Each of the capping strips includes first and second blank surfaces.

[0014] Preferably, the plurality of block members are interlocked to form a first wall. The plurality of block members are interlocked to form at least two separate walls. The plurality of block members are interlocked to form four separate walls, each of the walls contacting each other and being disposed orthogonal to each other to form a four-sided structure, the walls defining an inner space. At the intersecting walls, one of a third or fourth block member surfaces is disposed orthogonal to the first or second pictorial images and includes an end portion of the first or second pictorial images.

[0015] Preferably, the four-sided structure includes a base plate interlocked with the four second final rows of each of the walls. The structure further includes a roof portion, which engages the four first final rows of each of the walls. The roof portion includes an engaging portion to cooperate with the male projections of the four first final rows of each of the walls.

[0016] According to another aspect of the first embodiment, there is provided a multiple block game puzzle assembly kit, comprising: a plurality of interlockable block members, each block member having first, second, third and fourth block member edges defining a first surface; and a first pictorial image including a first plurality of partial pictorial images, each partial pictorial image corresponding to a portion of the first pictorial image, the first partial pictorial images being attached to the first surface of each one of the block members, the first partial pictorial images being alignable along at least two block member edges to match the first pictorial image to a first reference copy thereof.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0017] Further aspects and advantages of the present invention will become better understood with reference to the description in association with the following Figures, wherein:

[0018]FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a multiple game block assembly in a partially assembled configuration;

[0019]FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a template;

[0020]FIG. 2a is a perspective view of an alternative template showing two themes;

[0021]FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the game block assembly of FIG. 1 in a near assembled configuration; and

[0022]FIG. 4 is a partially exploded perspective view of another embodiment of a three-dimensional multiple game block assembly.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0023] With reference now to FIGS. 1 and 2, a multiple game block puzzle is illustrated generally at 10. Broadly speaking, the puzzle 10 includes a plurality of interlocked block members or blocks 12, a first pictorial image 14, a reference copy 16 and two capping strips 18, 20.

[0024] Each block member 12 is typically a generally cubic, although other may also be used. The block members 12 include four front block member edges 22, which define a first surface 24, four rear block member edges 26, which define a second surface 28 and two end surfaces 30, 32.

[0025] In this embodiment, the first pictorial image 14 includes a first plurality of partial pictorial images 34, which are individually attached to the first surfaces 24 of each block 12. The plurality of partial images 34 are portions of the first pictorial image 14 and when assembled together, correspond to the completed first pictorial image 14.

[0026] Referring now to FIGS. 1 and 4, for greater variety in the number of puzzles available to the user, a second pictorial image 36 may be used and attached to the second surface 28 of the assembled blocks 12. Like the first pictorial image 14, the second pictorial image 36 includes a second plurality of partial pictorial images 40. Each of the partial pictorial images 40 corresponds to a portion of the second pictorial image 36 and is attached to the second block surface 28. Typically, the partial pictorial images 34, 40 are adhered to the block surfaces 24, 28 using pad printing, silk screen or other printing techniques known to those skilled in the art. The second pictorial image 36 matches a second reference copy 42 thereof. If two puzzles are included are to be used, the first and second pictorial images 14, 36 are different and match the corresponding images on the reference copies 16, 42.

[0027] Referring now to FIG. 1, the first or second partial pictorial images 34, 40 are aligned along at least two block member edges 22 or 26 to match the first pictorial image 14 to the first reference copy 16 thereof.

[0028] As best illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 2a, the first and second reference copies 16, 42 may be supplied on separate reference cards (memory challenge or referral theme cards) 13, although the copies may also be used on a single card, the pictorial images being attached to each side of the card.

[0029] The reference cards 13 include an exact copy of the pictorial image. The copy includes a grid of intersecting guide lines 44 corresponding to the edges 22, 26 of the block members 12 of the pictorial image. The intersecting lines 44 define copies of each of the first and second partial pictorial images 34, 46 and are used by the user to align the partial pictorial images 34, 46 along their corresponding block edges 26 to match the reference copy. The reference card may be used as a template onto which the puzzle 10 is assembled to completion, or it may be used located away from the blocks 12 to aid in developing hand and eye coordination skills.

[0030] Referring now to FIGS. 1 and 3, each of the blocks' 12 blank surfaces 30, 32 are disposed orthogonal to the first and second surfaces 24, 28. The blocks 12 include top and bottom interlocking surfaces 50, 52. The top interlocking surface 50 has four male projections 54 extending away from the block 12 and towards the corresponding bottom interlocking surface 52 of an adjacent block 12. The bottom interlocking surface 52 has four female receivers 56 sized and shaped to lockingly engage the male projections 54 to hold the blocks 12 together.

[0031] The blocks 12 are typically connected together in a horizontal or vertical plane and are connected together to form a wall 58. A final top and a final bottom row 60, 62 of blocks 12 are provided and are easily recognizable to the user because they are typically double the lengths of the individual blocks 12 that make up the core portion of the wall 58. In the puzzle 10 shown in FIG. 3, the final rows 60, 62 each includes three block members that are adjacent to corresponding penultimate rows 64, 66.

[0032] As best illustrated in FIG. 3, the capping strips 18, 20 are interlocked with the final top row 60 and the final bottom row 62 of interlocked block members 12. One of the capping strips 18 includes a female receiver portion 68 extending along the entire length of the capping strip 18 to receive the combined male projections 54 on the final top row 60 of three block members 60. The other capping strip 20 includes a plurality of male projections 70 disposed in a parallel arrangement along the entire length of the capping strip 20 to engage the combined female receivers 56 on the final bottom row 62 of three block members 12. Each of the capping strips 18, 20 includes first and second blank surfaces 72, 74.

[0033] Operation

[0034] Typically, the puzzle 10 is provided as a multiple block game puzzle kit to be assembled by the use, as best illustrated in FIG. 1. The kit includes a number of the blocks. 12 with one or more theme pictorial images 14, 36 and the corresponding number of reference cards 13. Instructions for use maybe printed on the back of one of the reference cards 13 or may be included as an instruction sheet if only one reference card is used. For the two-dimensional puzzle, a corresponding number of capping strips 18, 20 are included. The user typically places the reference card 13 onto a surface and begins to arrange, align and interlock the blocks 12 according to the grid lines 44 and the portions of the pictorial images 34, 40 on the reference card 13. When the user or the teacher is satisfied that the completed pictorial image exactly matches the image on the reference card 13, the two capping strips 18, 20 are locked in place. The puzzle 10 may be quickly disassembled and, if desired, the second pictorial image be used to complete the puzzle according to the second reference picture.

[0035] Pictorial images may be cartoon images and the like, which are easily recognizable and entertaining to children. The images may also include various adult orientated themes if the puzzle is used as part of a rehabilitation program or for patients with learning disabilities. In addition, the puzzle, if desired, can be designed to be intellectually challenging to adults by increasing the complexity of the puzzle.

[0036] Alternatives

[0037] For children with more advanced skills, a three-dimensional version of the puzzle 100 may be used. The puzzle 100 is constructed and used in essentially the same way as the puzzle 10, with the appropriate number of reference cards. The salient features of the three-dimensional puzzle will now be described with reference to FIG. 4. Typically, the three-dimensional version of the puzzle 100 is a four-sided house-like structure 102, which may be incorporated into many play/educational activities.

[0038] A number of blocks 104 may be used in batches and interlocked to form at least two separate walls 106. The blocks 104 are interlocked to form four separate walls 106 and arranged on a base plate 108 to form the four-sided structure 102. The walls 106 contact each other at the corners and are disposed orthogonal to each other with an inner space 110 located between the walls 106. At the intersection 112 of each of the walls 106, one block member surface 114 is disposed orthogonal to a first or second pictorial image 116, 118 and includes an end portion of the first or second pictorial images 116, 118. The base plate 108 is interlocked with four bottom final rows 120 of each of the walls 106.

[0039] A roof portion 126 engages the four top final rows 128 of each of the walls 106 and includes an engaging portion 136 to cooperate with the male projections 130 of the four top final rows 128 of each of the walls 106. 

I claim:
 1. A multiple game block puzzle comprising: a plurality of interlocked block members, each block member having first, second, third and fourth block member edges defining a first surface; and a first pictorial image including a first plurality of partial pictorial images, each partial pictorial image corresponding to a portion of the first pictorial image, the first partial pictorial images being attached to the first surface of each one of the block members, the first partial pictorial images being aligned along at least two block member edges to match the first pictorial image to a first reference copy thereof.
 2. The puzzle, according to claim 1, further including a second pictorial image including a second plurality of partial pictorial images, each partial pictorial image corresponding to a portion of the second pictorial image, the second partial pictorial images being attached to a second surface of each one of the block members.
 3. The puzzle, according to claim 2, in which the second pictorial image matches a second reference copy thereof.
 4. The puzzle, according to claim 3, in which the first pictorial image is different than the second pictorial image.
 5. The puzzle, according to claim 4, in which the first and second reference copies are each separate reference cards.
 6. The puzzle, according to claim 5, in which the first and second reference copies are attached to first and second sides of a single reference card.
 7. The puzzle, according to claim 6, in which the reference cards include a grid of intersecting guide lines corresponding to the respective first, second, third and fourth edges of the block members of the first and second pictorial images.
 8. The puzzle, according to claim 7, in which the intersecting lines define copies of each of the first and second partial pictorial images.
 9. The puzzle, according to claim 8, in which each of the block members further includes third and fourth surfaces, each third and fourth surface being blank and disposed orthogonal to the first and second surfaces.
 10. The puzzle, according to claim 9, in which each of the block members includes first and second interlocking surfaces.
 11. The puzzle, according to claim 10, in which the first interlocking surface includes four male projections and the second interlocking surface includes four female receivers sized and shape to engage the male projections.
 12. The puzzle, according to claim 11, in which a pair of capping strips are interlocked with a first final row and a second final row of interlocked block members.
 13. The puzzle, according o claim 12, in which each of the first and the second final rows includes three block members, each of the three block members being double the length of each block member in a penultimate row adjacent the first and second final row.
 14. The puzzle, according to claim 13, in which one of the capping strips includes a female receiver portion extending along the entire length of the capping strip to receive the combined male projections on the first final row of three block members.
 15. The puzzle, according to claim 14, in which the other capping strip includes a plurality of male projections disposed in a parallel arrangement along the entire length of the capping strip to engage the combined female receivers on the second final row of three block members.
 16. The puzzle, according to claim 15, in which each of the capping strips includes first and second blank surfaces.
 17. The puzzle, according to claim 2, in which the plurality of block members are interlocked to form a first wall.
 18. The puzzle, according to claim 17, in which the plurality of block members are interlocked to form at least two separate walls.
 19. The puzzle, according to claim 18, in which the plurality of block members are interlocked to form four separate walls, each of the walls contacting each other and being disposed orthogonal to each other to form a four-sided structure, the walls defining an inner space.
 20. The puzzle, according to claim 19, in which at the intersecting walls, one of a third or fourth block member surfaces is disposed orthogonal to the first or second pictorial images and includes an end portion of the first or second pictorial images.
 21. The puzzle, according to claim 20, in which the four-sided structure includes a base plate interlocked with the four second final rows of each of the walls.
 22. The puzzle, according to claim 21, further including a roof portion which engages the four first final rows of each of the walls.
 23. The puzzle, according to claim 22, in which the roof portion includes an engaging portion to cooperate with the male projections of the four first final rows of each of the walls.
 24. Multiple block game puzzle assembly kit, comprising: a plurality of interlockable block members, each block member having first, second, third and fourth block member edges defining a first surface; and a first pictorial image including a first plurality of partial pictorial images, each partial pictorial image corresponding to a portion of the first pictorial image, the first partial pictorial images being attached to the first surface of each one of the block members, the first partial pictorial images being alignable along at least two block member edges to match the first pictorial image to a first reference copy thereof.
 25. The kit, according to claim 24, further including a second pictorial image including a second plurality of partial pictorial images, each partial pictorial image corresponding to a portion of the second pictorial image, the second partial pictorial images being attached to a second surface of each one of the block members.
 26. The kit, according to claim 25, further including a first reference card.
 27. The kit, according to claim 26, further including a second reference card.
 28. The kit, according to claim 27, further including a pair of capping strips.
 29. The kit, according to claim 28, further including a base plate.
 30. The kit, according to claim 29, further including a roof portion. 